Russian Military in Syria

A Russian combat aircraft at Khmeimim airbase in Syria being prepared for action. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

Belligerent
Russian Military
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

January 11, 2018

Incident Code

RS2886

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Ma'arat Nu'man, Idlib, Syria

An ambulance driver from Salam Hospital was killed, and as many as seven other civilians were injured, including the Minister of Health in the interim government due to alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Ma’arat Nu’man, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Most sources blamed Russia, while

Summary

First published
January 11, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime, Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 27, 2015

Incident Code

RS324

LOCATION

Turkmen mount, Latakia, Syria

One adult male, Fuad Khodr Kerawan, was reported killed in an alleged Russian airstrike in the vicinity of Turkmen mount, according to the Violations Documentation Center. No additional details are presently known.  

Summary

First published
December 27, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 3, 2019

Incident Code

RS3755

LOCATION

حيش, Heesh, Idlib, Syria

Multiple sources reported that one civilian was killed in Heesh, Idlib, on June 3rd. Three sources named the victim of the airstrikes as Abdel Qadir al-Salloum. Syrian Network for Human Rights and other sources claimed that “missiles were fired near Martyr Fajr al Ismail School”, with this source also reporting that the airstrikes “destroyed the school’s

Summary

First published
June 3, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 13, 2019

Incident Code

RS3795

LOCATION

خان السبل, Khan Al Sabil, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported that a child was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Khan Al Sabil, Idlib, on June 13th, 2019. @HalabTodayTV tweeted that according to the Civil Defence, “a civilian was killed and another was wounded, as a result of targeting the outskirts of the town of Khan Al Sabil in Idlib

Summary

First published
June 13, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 14, 2018

Incident Code

RS3270

LOCATION

كفر سجنة, Kafar Sijna, Idlib, Syria

One civilian, a 17-year-old male, named Mohammed Saif Al-Din Qassoum Al-Issa died in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Kafar Sijna, according to local media. Sources said that several other civilians were wounded.

Summary

First published
September 9, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
Belligerents reported killed
2
View Incident

Incident date

February 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS548

LOCATION

مرديخ, Mardikh, Idlib, Syria

In a news roundup, Shaam News reported deaths in Mardikh, which it attributed to Russian warplanes: “Since early morning, the Russian enemy planes circled the skies of the province and launched air raids on civilian homes in the towns of Maaret al-Numan and Khan Sheikhun and Kafrtkharim and the outskirts of Sarakeb and the towns

Summary

First published
February 4, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS644

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

One female nurse died in an alleged Russian airstrike on a hospital in Anadan, according to local sources. According to SHRC, “Iman Layla, died after being wounded in Russian airstrikes which targeted the hospital in Anadan.” Halab Today said the victim was a nurse, while Micro Syria reported that many civilians were injured in the

Summary

First published
February 19, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS708

LOCATION

الحميدية, Hamidiya (Deir ez-Zor), Deir Ezzor, Syria

One child was killed following an alleged Russian airstrike on Hamidiya, according to several local sources. She died of her injuries two days later. One source says that a female died in a barrel bomb attack – suggesting a possible regime action. The victim was named by the VDC as Baydaa Abdul Lateef al Sayer.

Summary

First published
March 4, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS740

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

One young adult male civilian died in an airstrike on Palmyra according to local sources, though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. Qasioun reported: Palmyra City was the target this morning of intensive raids by Russian aviation, amounting to about 35 strikes, in which aircraft

Summary

First published
March 23, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 29, 2019

Incident Code

RS3858

LOCATION

مشون, Mashoun, Idlib, Syria

One woman reportedly died as a result of a heart attack following an airstrike on her home in Mashoun, Idlib, on June 29th. Shaam News reported that “Russian and Assad planes launched heavy and violent air raids on [a number of] cities and towns” on June 29th, leading to the injury of civilians in Mashoun.

Summary

First published
June 29, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Other
View Incident

Incident date

June 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS912

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shiekhoun, Idlib, Syria

Multiple sources reported that a woman died and five other civilians wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun. The syriannewsdesk, and Halab Today TV were among sources that blamed the attacks on Russian warplanes, specifying the use of cluster bombs. The Shaam News Network reported that some of those injured involved “cases of amputation due to

Summary

First published
June 17, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
5–8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS977

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

One child died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kafr Naha, according to local media. Halab Today and Orient News blamed Russia. Syria_Feed reported on shelling and heavy machine guns, while all other sources claimed only shelling.

Summary

First published
July 8, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1041

LOCATION

Hakim hospital, Al Shiaar neighbourhood, Aleppo, Syria

One child died in an airstrike on Hakim hospital, a specialist children’s hospital in Aleppo – and reportedly the last remaining in the city. Sources alleged the hospital was targeted or struck twice in 12 hours. But it was not clear who was responsible, with sources pointing to both Russia and the Syrian regime.  A

Summary

First published
July 24, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 28, 2017

Incident Code

CS1112 RS2308

LOCATION

Al Lattoum village, Homs, Syria

One child died and several members of his family were injured in an airstrike on Al Lattoum village, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US-led Coalition (against which there was just one allegation), Russia or the Syrian regime. Alsoukhnaalhadath reported the death of

Summary

First published
June 28, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
1–3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 29, 2017

Incident Code

RS2770

LOCATION

الجلاء, al-Jalaa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One male civilian was killed and several left wounded in an alleged Russian air raid in the crossing of al-Jalaa, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. The male civilian fatality was reported and identified him by name by multiple sources. Syrian Human Rights Committee added that “others” were left wounded and reported how the city had

Summary

First published
November 29, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1248

LOCATION

حي باب النيرب, Bab al Nayrab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Aleppo’s Bab al Nairab neighbourhood, according to a single source. Halab Today reported a Russian strike killed one civilian. However, both Syriansnews and Buraq media said that there had been no civilian casualties, and did not identify the culprit of the strike.

Summary

First published
September 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS1724

LOCATION

حي القاطرجي, Al Qaterji neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One woman died and a number of other civilians were injured in an airstrike on Aleppo’s Al Qaterji neighbourhood, according to local media. It was unclear whether Russia or the regime were to blame. There were allegations against both parties – and reports that chlorine gas had been dropped from helicopters. According to Anapress, “Russian and

Summary

First published
November 29, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1543

LOCATION

معرة مصرين , Maarat Misrin, Idlib, Syria

One woman died and several other civilians were wounded in an airstrike on Maarat Misrin, according to sources on the ground – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Most sources attributed the civilian harm to Russia. However, Zamanalwasl was one of several sources that pointed to the regime, reporting that “in

Summary

First published
November 8, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

May 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2257

LOCATION

الفار, Al Far, Aleppo, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and others were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes against the town of Al Far in the eastern Aleppo countryside, sources on the ground reported. According to multiple local sources, the air bombardment on the town included the use of cluster bombs. The majority of sources, including Step News Agency

Summary

First published
May 25, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

December 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS2790

LOCATION

مخيم البارودية, Baroodiya refugee camp in the village of Jib al-Sukkar in the eastern countryside of Hama., Hama, Syria

An adult female was killed in an airstrike which “targeted” Baroodiya refugee camp in the village of Jib al-Sukkar in the eastern countryside of Hama, local media said. All sources blamed Russian warplanes for the airstrikes. Five civilians were reportedly wounded in the raids. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
December 8, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2432

LOCATION

قرية الجيعة, Al-Jaya'a, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Al-Jaya’a village in Deir Ezzor Governorate was hit by air strikes on September 12th 2017, reportedly killing one girl and injuring five civilians from the same family.  Multiple sources accused the Russian forces of carrying out these strikes. No further information was provided as to the identity of the girl killed or the members of

Summary

First published
September 12, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS2837

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

A bakery was hit with alleged Russian warplanes, causing the death of one civilian and the injury of another in Saraqeb. Most sources reported that Russian warplanes were to blame for the raids. DCHRS however reported that a civilian was “was shot by unknown source”. The bakery was reportedly rendered out of use, and there

Summary

First published
January 2, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 1, 2015

Incident Code

RS109

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

A child was killed and ‘dozens of civilians’ were injured “as a result of five Russian air strikes [each strike firing more than one missile] targeting residential neighborhoods in the city of Douma” according to the White Helmets. Intense artillery shelling was also reported on Douma. VDC named the child as Judi Bashar al Zhairi, and

Summary

First published
November 1, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

February 6, 2018

Incident Code

RS2982

LOCATION

آفس, Afis, Idlib, Syria

According to local sources, a child was killed in Afis, Idlib, as alleged Russain warplanes struck the town. Step News Agency reported that “the Russian military launched successive raids” mentioning several locations, including Afis, and that it caused the death of one child. Unlike other sources, Step News Agency, wrote on February 6th that the

Summary

First published
February 6, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

December 22, 2015

Incident Code

RS303

LOCATION

تفتناز, Taftanaz, Idlib, Syria

One adult male civilian, Mudar Abdulhameed Ezz, was listed killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Taftanaz, according to the Violations Documentation Center. In fact Mr Ezz lived in Taftanez but died in a December 20th airstrike on Idlib, with his body recovered from the ruins of the courthouse two days later.  

Summary

First published
December 22, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 6, 2018

Incident Code

RS2993

LOCATION

حرستا, Harasta, Damascus, Syria

One civilian, allegedly a child, was killed by an Assad or Russian waged assault in the town of Harasta, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported. According to local reports, the incident in Harasta was one out of many that day in eastern Ghouta. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), this was the

Summary

First published
February 6, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

January 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS431

LOCATION

محيميدة, Mahimideh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One adult male was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Mahimideh according to local sources. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that a Russian raid destroyed a house and that there were “many injuries“, though deaths were not mentioned. According to ANA Press, Russia warplanes “stepped up raids on the western countryside of

Summary

First published
January 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS495

LOCATION

معرسته الخان, Ma'arasta Al Khan, Aleppo, Syria

One person was killed and three injured in an alleged Russian airstrike on civilian vehicles on the Ma’arasta al Khan road. According to Halab Today, cluster rockets were used in the attack.  

Summary

First published
January 28, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS655

LOCATION

ابطع, Ibta', Daraa, Syria

One adult female was killed in an airstrike on Ibta’, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the regime. The VDC named the victim and said she died “in a Jordanian hospital due to her wounds sustained by the regime air forces’ shelling”

Summary

First published
February 22, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS783

LOCATION

المعادي, Al Ma'adi (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Shaam News Network reported that “as usual warplanes and helicopters continue to fly over the city of Aleppo for the 8th consecutive day bringing people death and destruction. Russian and Assad’s planes launched dozens of raids with vacum missiles and barrel bombs“. They recorded one death in Al Ma’adi. In a tweet by TRTalarabeya both

Summary

First published
April 29, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident